Workplaces can be noisy, and noise can be dangerous. While earplugs and other personal protective equipment have their role in hearing protection and noise control, developing a comprehensive plan that includes noise control systems can further improve safety, well-being, and productivity. Singer Safety Company is an expert in comprehensive noise control solutions and soundproofing technology. Hearing loss is a common risk in the workplace, and noise control is the key to prevention.
The Importance of Noise Control
Excessive noise is not only irritating, it is dangerous. Noise is a significant source of hearing loss. Even everyday noises such as music in headphones, gym classes, and sporting events can lead to hearing loss over time. Exposure to noise from power tools, machinery, hand tools, food processors, leaf blowers, sirens, and rock concerts are just some of the noise hazards that can quickly cause hearing loss.
A lack of noise control can also contribute to increased stress and fatigue, impacting concentration and cognitive ability. Not only does this affect overall health and well-being, but excessive fatigue is also a workplace safety risk.
Understanding noise hazards and control measures is not just a good idea, it’s a necessity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all employers to implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure is at or above 85 decibels averaged over eight working hours. The OSHA decibel chart is a great tool to understand exactly how loud some common noises are. The Hearing Conservation Programs go beyond personal protective equipment to include engineering and administrative noise control.
Common Workplace Noise Hazards
The CDC estimates over 22 million workers across the United States are exposed to hazardous noise levels in the workplace every year. Between noise exposure and exposure to chemicals that harm the ear, occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses. While industrial environments, factories, concert venues, and auto body shops tend to be more noisy than other environments, every industry has a risk of noise hazards and can benefit from noise control.
Construction, manufacturing, agricultural and farm work, and auto repair shops rely on heavy machinery and equipment. Heavy machinery can average around 120 decibels (dB), tractors are at 90 dB, factory machinery is at about 100 dB, and an electric drill is around 95 dB. All of these tools are loud enough to cause hearing damage with less than an hour of exposure.
Distribution centers, warehouses, and shipping facilities are exposed to some machinery, but even a standard truck clocks in at 90 dB, the same level as a shouted conversation. Workplaces that might not be generally thought of as “noisy” can also benefit from noise controls. A baby crying is as loud as some heavy machinery, putting even childcare workers at hearing risk.
The service industry, including restaurants, can be overlooked in the conversation about workplace noise. However, commercial kitchens are loud. Commercial kitchen appliances, noises from pots and pans, steel surfaces that absorb no noise, and even restaurant patron noise levels can lead to hearing damage with prolonged exposure.
While the need for noise control is greater in some environments, the OSHA decibel chart makes it clear that potentially harmful noise exposure is in every industry. Knowing your environment’s noise hazards and control measures is the first step in noise reduction.
Strategies to Reduce Noise in the Workplace
Personal hearing protection equipment is beneficial both in and outside of the workplace. Using personal earplugs or earmuffs when doing yard work, attending a football game, or rocking out at a concert is smart. Using personal protective equipment on a job site is more than just smart, it can be a requirement that saves your hearing. Properly fitted ear protection has many benefits.
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls include reducing noise hazards with control measures involving any physical tools and machinery, installing soundproofing systems, and isolating sources of noise.
Newer technology has allowed for quieter machines. When it comes time to replace older machines, look for newer, low-noise versions to reduce noise in the workplace. Even proper maintenance and lubrication of equipment can drastically improve noise levels.
Outside of machines, there are various noise reduction systems and soundproofing technology that can be installed in a workplace. Enclosures and barriers such as Singer Safety’s modular acoustic screens, can isolate and absorb sound from a contained area. This reduces the spread of sound throughout the workplace. Acoustic foams can be used to absorb and muffle excessive noise. Ceiling baffles can be installed in areas with high ceilings and open rooms in order to limit the echo and any reverberant noise. These are just some examples of technology that can be used as engineering controls to impact noise levels.
Administration Controls
One strategy to reduce noise in the workplace is through administration controls. While engineering controls deal with the physical space and equipment, administrative controls focus on changes in scheduling and personnel.
Scheduling tasks that involve the loudest equipment when fewer workers are present can minimize overall exposure to the workforce. Rotating jobs and tasks can reduce the amount of time an individual employee spends in a noisy environment. Similarly, providing quiet break areas where employees can have relief from any hazardous noise exposure can improve hearing health.
Education and Awareness
Implementing strategies to reduce noise in the workplace is important. Noise control safety measures can save employees from permanent hearing loss. However, PPE, modifications to machinery, installation of soundproofing technology, and scheduling adjustments are not comprehensive solutions. Proper education and awareness is also key. Training employees about noise hazards and control measures, and providing resources – such as the OSHA decibel chart – makes noise reduction efforts more effective.
Singer Safety: Your Partner in Effective Noise Control
Singer Saftey’s Sound Stopper Noise Control Systems offer flexible solutions to fit your environment, industry, and regulations. Investing in noise reduction technology will have a positive impact on your working environment.
Singer Safety Company developed the original industrial noise partition in 1965, providing an effective solution for safety concerns associated with excessive industrial noise. Singer Safety continues to be recognized as a leader in the industry and has become the nation’s best-known and best-selling line of noise control panel systems, soundproof curtains, and industrial noise reduction panels. Our expert team can help you determine which noise control products will work best for your business. Contact us today to purchase your own Sound Stopper Noise Control System!
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